The British guitar player Neil Taylor is currently on tour with Chris de Burgh. Part of his gear are both of his VGS Eruption E-guitars. While one VGS Eruption is equiped with the classic Tune-O-Matic-bridge, the second one shows off numerous specials: for instance the Evertune bridge that allows for absolute tuning stability. The featured True-Temperament fingerboard provides perfect intonation in all pitches. The sound transmission is ensured by two hand-wound Bare Knuckle humbuckers made in UK and the tone-poti hides a Shadow SH-124 Kill-Pot that enables so-called Machine-Gun effects.

Neil Taylor is one of the busiest guitar players. He was working in the studio and on stage for Peter Gabriel, Paul Young, Tears For Fears, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, Heather Nova, Morrisey, Howard Jones and Natalie Imbruglia and many more. Besides being a Sideman he has also published his solo album „No God Like Rock'n'Roll“ this year where he shows his talent as a brilliant singer and songwriter.

The world-famous Swiss cymbal manufacturer Paiste is proud to welcome Mike Terrana in its endorsement-family.

Mike Terrana is one of the most booked drummers for recordings and touring all over Europe. At present he is on tour together with Tarja and her project „The Beauty and The Beat“. There, he is combining the sound of a symphonic orchestra with classic rock. But also his solo shows – such as at the Frankfurt Music Show – are legendary!

http://www.paiste.com/e/news.php?actn=det&menuid=39&newsid=1394

The German drummer Leo Lazar is new Endorser for Drumcraft. Leo plays for instance for Finn Martin and the band A Bit On The Side. When visiting the GEWA Showroom Leo decided on a set from the DC-8 series in "Venice White" after extensive testing.

Within the scope of the music fair Frankfurt, yesterday, 11/04/13, a GEWA get together for exchange in a relaxed atmosphere took place. Occasion was the presentation of the new products of Conn-Selmer, Inc. The GEWA music GmbH is a longtime distribution partner of the american manufacture of high quality wind instruments. We're glad about and looking forward to the excellent business relationship in the past and the future. You are invited to visit us at music fair, 3.0 E14, and to get an impression of the new wind instruments of the Conn-Selmer, Inc.

Numerous guitarists know the problem: you have a great amplifier but unfortunately you can rarely make use of it. When rehearsing at night-time the simple transistor-combo or the synthetic-sounding modelling-preamplifier will have to do. When doing home-recording you resort to plug-ins for lack of high-end microphones and sound cabin. And who wants to drag his heavy stack for a couple of numbers during a jam session?

With the all-tube amp Beast 30 Classic Laboga offers a solution. The 30 Watt tube amp unit is no stranger to the stages. And thanks to its handy dimensions the top or the 1 x 12“ combo respectively can easily and conveniently be carried to rehearsal or a session. And if it gets too loud just cut back the output to maximum 15 Watt. OK, we admit this is nothing new. But at the latest in the living room the amp shows its strengths. Without disturbing the neighbours you can also play at night by using headphones – and get a stage sound! The amp unit can be deactivated per power soak. And if you want to get the stage sound on tape – or rather the hard drive – just connect the sound card with the Recording Out. Authentic sound even without microphone. Also perfect for the stage if you want to skip the microphone in front of the amp. And all that without losses in sound.

The Classic version differs from its brother, the Laboga Beast 30, by a vintage-oriented sound. Warm, clean sound, dynamic crunch sound and lead sounds full of sustain count amongst its strengths. The sound control was scaled down to the basics and quickly provides musical results.

Available as head or 1x12“ combo with a Celestion Seventy 80 Speaker.

The basic setting for every ambitious home studio includes a large diaphragm condenser microphone and a stereo microphone set. The former is often used for vocals and speaking as well as for picking up acoustic instruments in the close-up range. For overhead and room recordings a stereo set is basically required. So much for the theory. The hitch comes at the checkout: quickly you have reached a four-digit Euro amount. Let alone the accessories like shock mount, brackets, wind deflector and transport box that have to be added.

With the large diaphragm microphone MIC studio L and the stereo small diaphragm microphone set MIC studio S Alpha Audio introduces economically priced alternatives. All of a sudden the dream of having one's own studio comes within reach. The MIC studio L has a modern transformer less circuit design. In connection with the gold-sputtered 1-inch-diaphragm – known from the legendary, expensive high-end microphones – it combines technically brilliant parameters and traditional, musical sound. In addition, no extra investment is needed for accessories: a flexible mounting – meaning shock mount – and an aluminium transport case for the road are already included in the scope of delivery.

The MIC studio S comes with exchangeable capsules and an enclosed stereo bar. The included capsules in unidirectional/cardioid, hyper cardioid and omnidirectional finish ensure a versatile range of application. Chorus, overhead, acoustic instruments right up to film scores are easily feasible. To perfect the result they are delivered as pair with consecutive serial numbers to limit tonal tolerances. Wind deflector, a firmly adjustable mounting and a sturdy aluminium transport case are also included.

Alpha Audio MIC studio L – 170.845

Alpha Audio MIC studio S – 170.847

Gone are the times when you had to painstakingly hook up mixer, effects and compressor. Let alone you need 16 channels at your disposal. Apart from it being almost unaffordable. Modern mixers have the effects already on board. And even recording at home is by now affordable.

With the MIX sixteen DSP, Alpha Audio now offers a 16-channel mixer for a price that you paid for a couple of meters 2-inch-band some years ago. For the included features you had to invest nearly the figure for a compact car not so long ago: up to 10 microphone inputs, extremely low-noise microphone pre-amps, 8 direct outs, 8 sub groups exits, 4 stereo inputs, 4 sub groups, 4 Aux-channels and an editable 24-bit multi-effects processor.

On top of that, each of the 8 mono channels has a compressor/limiter and a 3-band control with semi-parametric mid-frequencies. Furthermore, the additional Control-Room-Out and two headphone outputs considerably facilitate Home-Recording. Via the internal USB-interface you can record playbacks or in stereo easily.

Thus the Alpha Audio MIX sixteen DSP comes off very well in both live modus and (Home-)studio and proves to be a reliable partner – without cutting into your savings too harshly.

Alpha Audio MIX sixteen DSP – 170.350

Some years ago it was a must to have the deepest tom possible. Therefore it was not unusal that a tom with a diameter of 12“ had a depth of 10“.

Recently more and more drummers recognize the advantages of shorter toms: fat sound and full sustain. So short toms enjoy more and more popularity.

Also the German DrumCraft development team concentrated on this fact. However, it was not the only aim to manufacture short shells with extraordinary sound. With DrumCraft Series 5 we succeeded in offering high-quality and professional features for an affordable price.

Besides shorter tom shells the DC5 convinces premium hardware, original Remo heads, 6 ply Birch-Poplar shells and an elaborate high gloss finish.

Unique in this price range is a second cymbal boom stand, instead of a simple straight cymbal stand.

DrumCraft Series 5 is available in four different configurations and three colours.

Progressive: 22x18, 10x7, 12x8, 16x4, 14x5

Fusion: 22x18 oder 20x16, 10x7, 12x8, 14x12, 14x5

Jazz: 18x16, 10x7, 12x8, 14x12, 13x5

Colours:

Shadow Black, Hard Coal, Crimson Red Fade

Product features:

1. 6 ply Birch-Poplar shell

2. High gloss finish

3. Zero Gravity Tom Mount

4. Remo UC heads

5. 5 part hardware set

6. Pedal, stands for hihat and snare, 2 cymbal boom stands

7. Without cymb

„The more the merrier!“ is an old maxim. For violin cases this may have applied until now. If you wanted to have the best possible protection for the beloved instrument, the only possibility was an expensive and heavy case. Therefore you had to drag a lot. Travelling with public transport or on foot, one often chose a lighter, more simple case. However you always were worried about the beautiful violin.

With the new GEWA Air Series – Made in Germany – experienced Gewa case-developers devised a case that convinces on the one hand by its extremley low weight – only 1,6 kg!

On the other hand is the best possible safety factor. The shells which are made of especially developed thermoplast are manufactured using a thermal compound technique. They offer an extremely high break resistance. The reason is a special formula that allows deformations.

Hard hits will be absorbed perfectly, without causing any damages to the instrument or the case.

Positive side effect: The case offers outstanding insulation properties, it protects from heat as well as from cold. Due to the detachable rucksack straps you can shoulder the case easily.

The new Classic line is the latest addition to the Gonzalez Reed Family. All come with a Filed-Cut. The composition of this reed permits a very pure sound. A thin tip, which is the most vibrating part of the reed, balanced with a thicker design toward the heel, offers a very pure sound ideal for classical and traditional playing. The result is a quick and „crisp“ response and a rich, dark sound. The acoustic main characteristics of Classic reeds are:

1. brilliant reaction and response in all registers up to Pianissimo in the highest pitches

2. flexibility that allows a Legato or Staccato even in very long passages

3. wide sonority range with a lot of body and brilliance

And of course the new Gonzalez Classic reeds are meticulously made from the finest hand-selected and matured high-quality cane Arundo Donax. Only naturally grown cane that is free of pesticides and chemical products is chosen to become Gonzalez reeds. Careful inspection at each stage of production guarantees that only the best reeds receive the Gonzalez stamp of approval.

Roy Benson has just come out with 2 new clarinets for kids.

The CG-200C model is a C-clarinet that was reworked and optimized especially for children. The synthetic wood body convinces for his natural sound. The nickel silver keys are silver plated and were developed especially for children and very young players. The characteristics of the other clarinet model, CG-200B, are very similar. The only difference is that it is a Bb clarinet. Both instruments come in a light weight case with rucksack assembly.

For quality- and price-conscious beginners we designed especially the Roy Benson CG-420 Bb-clarinet. The body is made of grenadill, the nickel silver keys are silver plated. Another special feature is the high-quality Original Ernst Schreiber mouthpiece. The instrument will come in a light weight case with rucksack assembly.

CG-200CRB700.472

CG-200BRB700.473

CG-420RB700.475

The VGS designers have devised a special version of the VGS Eruption Select. The body contours remain unaffected but the arched top was replaced by a flat top version. In addition, there are two spectacular finishes: Animal Scratch Black and Animal Scratch Silver. The red (!) humbucker are quasi a pre-warning: the powerful pickups convince with a rich sound and endless stamina! These are no tame kittens but wild animals!

VG503.420VGS Eruption FT Select Animal Scratch Silver

VG503.421VGS Eruption FT Select Animal Scratch Black

With the new colours „Flying Sparks Black“ and „Flying Sparks Red“ VGS truly sparks! For all those that are tired of sunburst or simple black VGS has the answer! Thanks to the new designs that are exclusive for the VGS Eruption models you are sure to be the centre of attention and an eye-catcher on stage. You can all but forgo an elaborate light show.

To make the sound of the guitars equally convincing VGS SouthDrive humbucker are used. Being clear in the treble range and powerful in the bass range both classic rock sounds and rich metal riffs are easily feasible.

VG503.490VGS Eruption Select Flying Sparks Black

VG503.491VGS Eruption Select Flying Sparks Red

In a continuously changing environment of the World Wide Web the target-group-specific provision of product information becomes more and more important. Customers and consumers put emphasis on an individual and flexible acquisition of information and with the increasing use of smart phones and tablets „Mobile Customizing” comes to the fore.

To meet these demand and to see the change through with effort, make the GEWA music GmbH among the for mobile terminal equipments optimized website already the revised e-catalog digital available. Now GEWA presents its wide product range in its own app for mobile use for iPad: The GEWA e-catalog app. In addition to multifaceted options of navigation via the editorial, die page overview or the integrated full-text search, in media boxes were links to brand pages and social brand profiles provided. Panel format is automatically identified and a infinitely variable zoom arranged the optimized display of the content. The app contains the complete main catalog in five languages and is provided for free. The each desired catalog is usable offline after download. With the publication of the next GEWA main catalog in autumn 2013, the available publications in the app were actualized. GEWA point out the high potential of this communication channel and will expand therefore in the next time its supply. The app is obtainable in the app-store in the category „catalog“. Directly to the app get you also in the footer area on www.gewamusic.com or via one of the plenty of social profiles.

The Belle Rose Series is the newest coup when it comes to VGS acoustic guitars. The simple but yet elegant beauty was drafted by the French VGS design team.

Of course, these instruments are also manufactured in the spirit of „Visions in Guitars“: Thanks to the arched back – that completely can manage without bracing – the models of the VGS Belle Rose series convince acoustically with a three-dimensional projection. The solid Spruce top hides another highlight: the Katayama Acoustic Chamber that was invented and developed by the Japanese guitar visionary Ichiro Katayama. Located under the bridge this tool adds a perfect dose of natural hall to the guitar sound and the tone seems rounder, fuller and warmer. Thus, the guitar sounds like a perfectly attuned instrument from day one. This happens thanks to the Katayama Acoustic Chamber in a purely physical way and completely without batteries or even digital alteration. When it comes to the features only high-end parts were used. Like for instance the established M6-machine heads of the renowned German manufacturer Schaller. On top, the models with preamp system are equipped with products of the company B-Band.

The VGS Belle Rose Series made in Europe is available in three versions:

1. VGS BR-10 Belle Rose Dreadnought

2. VGS BR-20 CE Belle Rose Grand Auditorium with cutaway and B-Band preamp system

3. VGS BR-30 CE Belle Rose Mini Jumbo and B-Band preamp system

Get more information www.vgs-guitars.com

With the Soulmaster VSM-120/7 from the Select Series VGS introduces the world-wide first 7-string electric guitar with Evertune bridge! The advantages are obvious: on the one hand no more tiresome re-tuning during a gig, on the other the Evertune can be adjusted in seconds so that the Bendstop for the low strings is reached quite late. Thereby, the riffs on the low strings achieve an unheard-of precision and tuning stability! Even at hard attack the sound pattern is not blurred or tainted. For supporters of low notes an absolutely new feel of playing and sound experience! This is additionally bolstered by two powerful and assertive VGS Backdraft HBC-10 humbuckers!

If you approve of these features but think six strings are enough, take the Soulmaster VSM-120 – the sister of the VSM-120/7.

Click here to get more information >>> www.vgs-guitars.com

The name says it all - Neil Taylor, guitarist of Robbie Williams, as well as Chris de Burgh and many more, is now playing VGS guitars. He tried it at his current club tour and was immediately impressed by the sound, processing, playability and not at least of EVERTUNE. Especially the VGS-EVERTUNE combination convinced him totally!

So he decided without hesitation for the VGS-Road Cruiser which he‘ll use in combination with LaBoga Amps on stage as well as in studio.

Since 25 years Neil Taylor is one of the most popular live & studio guitarists in the world.

He was and is traveling around the world with the following acts:

Tears For Fears / Robbie Williams / Chris de Burgh / Tina Turner / Peter Gabriel / Van Morrison and more

One of the most impressive moments of his career can be seen on Youtube:

"Robbie Williams Knebworth"

Get more Information about Neil Taylor here!

Picture: Gerd Essl (Marketing Director GEWA music), Neil Taylor, Jens Bachmann (Product Specialist GEWA music)

Drumcraft supports the Austrian drummers of Drumartic to realize their dream of the world-largest Drumkit.

THE BIG BOOM – the world-largest Drumkit debuts in Vienna’s famous Prater

May 1st will be celebrated with a big Crashendo

The world’s largest drumset “THE BIG BOOM” will be the highlight of this year’s 1st of May festivities in Vienna’s Prater. The gigantic drumkit which measures 6.50m high and 8.00m wide (21x26 ft) was originally set up with all its parts – bass drum, snare, toms and cymbals.

The estimated 300’000 visitors on this day will certainly be fascinated and impressed when they see this mammoth drum kit.

4 Drummers Needed

Due to the massive specs of the drumkit, four drummers will team up to play it which makes this project rather difficult. The challenge will be especially difficult because each player has to synchronize their rhythmic patterns with one another while jumping around in 6m height.

But, who are the Performers?

After playing many events for Red Bull and the Alpine Ski Worldcup, the four drummers of Drumarctic used the Austrian TV-Talent-Show “Die Grosse Chance” to become a sought-after show act throughout Europe.

The World-Premiere

The world-premiere starts at 1pm on the 1st of May at the Rondeau, in the middle of Vienna’s Prater. Two different performances (one per hour), will continue throughout the afternoon and evening rocking the Prater and getting everybody to dance. The grand-finale will be a big firework in rhythm with the drum show at 10pm.

Whether young or old, musician or none-musician – “The World’s Largest Drumset” must be seen!

www.drumartic.at